A transportation inspector inspects planes, trains, and other vehicles for government regulations compliance. Inspectors look for other regulatory issues, such as unauthorized cargo, in addition to safety. Government agencies, transportation companies, and third-party contractors are all possible employers. The expectations of applicants for transportation inspector jobs can differ depending on the region and the employer.
Inspections of planes, buses, trains, boats, and other vehicles used to transport people and cargo are common. During safety inspections, the transportation inspector ensures that all systems are functioning properly. This can include inspecting any repairs that have been made, as well as the vehicle’s maintenance logs and other documentation. If the inspector has safety concerns, the vehicle may be taken out of service until the issues are resolved, and the owner or carrier may be fined.
Another aspect of the job may entail checking for adherence to passenger and cargo handling regulations. A transportation inspector, for example, can check the calibration of taxi meters to ensure that customers are not cheated, or a bus company’s accessible buses to ensure that wheelchair users can use public transportation. Inspectors may be on the lookout for signs of safety violations, illegal cargo, and other issues during loading and unloading procedures. They can also question customers and passengers to see if businesses are abiding by the law.
This position may require extensive field work at locations such as rail yards, airports, and bus maintenance facilities. Transportation inspectors may work odd hours from time to time, as transportation can run 24 hours a day and they need to be able to monitor activities for quality at any time. Airlines, for example, could shift their safety violations to other times if they knew that aviation inspectors only showed up during specific hours. Transit operators may resent a surprise inspection or unexpected visit, which can lead to hostility.
A bachelor’s degree and experience with a specific mode of transportation are required for some transportation inspector positions. Mechanical systems, record-keeping techniques, and industry jargon must all be understood. In addition, a thorough understanding of regulations is required, as well as ongoing education to keep up with legal changes. Inspectors may be required to participate in outreach and education as government agencies implement new rules to ensure that transit companies are compliant before the rules take effect.